Heat Stress Procedure

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Document uncontrolled whenprinted

Procedure ID no 0468/05

HEAT STRESS PROCEDURE

This procedure is applicable to: All Department of Education and Children's Services employees.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Managed by:Phil OLoughlin

Responsible position:Executive Director Human Resource &Workforce Development

Version:1

Contact person:Voula Panayotopoulos

Approved by:Chief Executive

File number:0468/05

Contact position:Director, Health and Safety Services

Date approved:11 September 2011

Status:FINAL

Contact number:8226 0949

Next review date:10 September 2014

Security classification:Health and Safety Services

Heat Stress Procedure 20/04/11

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CONTENTS

1. TITLE...............................................................................................................................3

2. PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................3

3. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................34. OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................3

5. PROCEDURE DETAIL ....................................................................................................4

5.1 IDENTIFY HAZARDS............................................................................................5

5.2 DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW ..................................................5

5.3 EVALUATE RISKS................................................................................................5

5.4 RECORD THE FINDINGS.....................................................................................5

5.5 REVIEW THE ASSESSMENT AND REVISE IF NECESSARY.............................6

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................6

7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW ................................................................7

8. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS...........................................................................8

9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS .........................................................................................9

10. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................10

APPENDIX 1 HEAT STRESS SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID TREATMENT ..............11

APPENDIX 2 TEMPERATURE TRIGGERS AND ACTIONS......................................12

APPENDIX 3 COMMUNICATIONS TRIGGERS FOR EXTREME HEAT....................13

REVISION RECORD

Date Version Revision description


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1. TITLE

Heat Stress Procedure.

2. PURPOSE

To provide guidance to site managers for the development of safe systems of work to reduce thelikelihood of illness or injury from risks associated with heat stress, through:

2.1 Compliance with relevant legislation and codes of practice on heat stress and the SouthAustralian Public Sector Code of Practice for Crown Self-Insured Employers.

2.2 Compliance with the DECS Occupational Health, Safety & Welfare and Injury ManagementPolicy.

2.3 Maximising organisational health, safety and welfare while delivering high quality serviceand learning outcomes for students and children.

2.4 Satisfy the requirements of the Safety and Wellbeing in the Public Sector 2010 - 2015Strategy (SWIPS).

2.5 Managing the risks associated with heat stress.

3. SCOPE

This procedure applies to all DECS activities where hazardous levels of environmental or radiantheat may be present.

4. OBJECTIVES

4.1 To develop and facilitate best practice heat stressprocedures.4.2 To reduce the incidence of workplace injury and illness.

4.3 To assist site managers to identify, implement and review heat stress control measures.


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5. PROCEDURE DETAIL

HEAT STRESS RISK ASSESSMENT

When carrying out a heat stress risk assessment it is recommended that you take a stagedapproach. This diagram describes the activities that need to be undertaken at each stage.

Record your

findings

Evaluate

Risks

Identify

Hazards

Visually inspectCheck previous similarevents

HEAT STRESS PROCEDURE

Assess who is at most riskWho has not been trained?

What is the activity?What happens if somethinggoes wrong?

Conduct and document a

risk assessmentCan this activity been doneanother way or at anothertime?Draw up an Action PlanIdentify what protectiveequipment or behavioursmay be needed

Identify

who may be

harmed

Document the process

Review and

revise your

process or

assessment

Review control options andimplement where appropriate


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5.1 IDENTIFY HAZARDS

5.1.1 Visually inspect the site to identify heat stress hazards. e.g. look for heatsources, are employees wearing PPE?

5.1.2 Read through accident and productivity reports. Can any accidents be attributedto heat stress? e.g. fainting, confusion, poor concentration. Do accidentsincrease during periods of hot weather?

5.1.3 Listen to what employees and others have to say.

5.2 DECIDE WHO MIGHT BE HARMED AND HOW

5.2.1 Some employees, students, contractors and visitors may require training.

5.2.2 Experienced employees with infrequent exposures may require training. Theymay be used to the job, but not to working in the heat.

5.2.3 The health status of employees is important. Identify who might be at increasedrisk of heat stress? Consult a physician if you are unsure.

5.2.4 What happens if things go wrong? Put emergency procedures in place.Rehearse emergency procedures. Consult a physician if you are unsure.

5.2.5 Plan for the unexpected. Consider the nature of the task, where it is beingperformed - What the hazards are and what sorts of things may go wrong.Establish a chain of command.

5.3 EVALUATE RISKS

5.3.1 Decide whether existing precautions are adequate or if more should be done.

5.3.2 Think before you start - Is it necessary to work in the heat? Can the job beredesigned? Can the environment, work rate or PPE be altered?

5.3.3 Planning and training are crucial.5.3.4 Conduct a risk assessment and interpret the results.

5.3.5 Draw up an action list. Can you get rid of the hazard all together? If not, howcan you reduce the risk of heat stress? Risk reduction options include:

(i) Conduct the work when the risk has reduced. e.g. wait for theenvironment to cool down.

(ii) Organise work to reduce exposure. e.g. use work-rest schedules, jobrotation, team rotation, more employees on job.

(iii) Issue personal protective equipment.

(iv) Provide welfare facilities. e.g. first aid and emergency equipment and

procedures.

5.4 RECORD THE FINDINGS

Implement a formal reporting procedure that is incorporated into current risk assessmentreporting procedures for other hazards, including:

5.4.1 Record measures taken, indices used, and the outcomes.

5.4.2 Describe interpretation of assessment.

5.4.3 Report any communication between medical experts, thermal experts etc.

5.4.4 Record findings of discussions with employees, review of accident statistics,

productivity variations etc.


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5.5 REVIEW THE ASSESSMENT AND REVISE IF NECESSARY

5.5.1 Review the control options and implement appropriate controls. Do youremployees think there is still a problem? Has there been a reduction in unsafeactions, accidents, illnesses, absenteeism etc.? Has there been an increase inproductivity, employee satisfaction etc.?

5.5.2 Revision of Frequent Exposures: Be aware that new equipment, newmanufacturing methods, new PPE, etc, may all contribute to a change in the riskof heat stress. If any changes significantly alter the risk of heat stress, conduct aheat stress risk assessment.

5.5.3 Revision of Infrequent Exposures: Conduct a risk assessment.

6. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

POSITION ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SITE MANAGERSWhen planning work for locations where hot conditions areanticipated, site managers shall establish and implement preventativemeasures in consideration of the following actions:

Alter schedules so heavier work is done during cooler periods.

Provide shade for outdoor work and shield persons from radiantheat for indoor work. e.g. kilns, welding.

Improve air circulation.

Promote evaporation of perspiration by reducing humidity,increasing air movement and wearing of appropriate clothing.

Prevent dehydration by active attention to fluid replacement.

Ensure that a constant supply of cool drinking water is available.Note: Salt tablets are not necessary.

Regularly assess the risks associated with employees and othersworking in heat.

Allow rest periods, if possible in an air conditioned environment, toassist in lowering metabolic heat production, reducing body heatand allowing an opportunity for increased fluid intake.

Re-allocate or rotate employee duties to reduce individualexposure to heat.

Use of administrative actions such as:

o

Early dismissal of students.o Relocation of classes to cooler parts of the site.

o Rescheduling of activities. e.g. assemblies, sports days.

o Structural changes that may reduce heat. e.g. pergolas,ceiling fans, air-conditioning.

Additional advice for the prevention of heat stress is available fromHealth and Safety Services and Asset Policy & Capital Programs.

Special Note: The American Academy of Paediatrics advises thatchildren playing sport in temperatures exceeding 35C are atsignificantly greater risk of developing heat related illness andthat this risk is exacerbated by higher levels of humidity.


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EMPLOYEESAll employees are responsible for their own health and safety (Section21 OHS&W Act 1986), and shall:

Immediately notify management, their health and safetyrepresentative and a designated first aid provider of anysuspected incidence of heat stress at the site.

o Remove the person from the heat source and rest them incoolest possible place - give small drinks of cool drinkingwater if fully conscious. If there is not a rapid improvementafter drinking enough fluids to replace those lost, seekmedical assistance or call an ambulance.

Report situations likely to cause heat stress to management viathe sites hazard reporting system.

Avoid creating situations which would expose themselves orothers to the risk of heat stress.

Cooperate with management and other employees in the conductof hazard inspections and risk assessments.

Follow all reasonable instructions in relation to this procedure.

HEALTH ANDSAFETY

REPRESENTATIVE(HSR)

HSRs present concerns to the site manager on behalf of theworkgroup. Their roles and responsibilities are governed by theOccupational Health Safety and Welfare 1986.

7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW

7.1 The state-wide consultative system, including this procedure will be evaluated foreffectiveness every 3 years by a sub-committee of the State OHS&W ConsultativeCommittee.

7.2 Individual sites shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of their processes annually.

7.3 Site managers must ensure that employees are consulted and provided with any necessaryinstruction, training and supervision to ensure that control measures are effectivelyimplemented.


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8. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

TERM MEANING

DECSDepartment of Education and Children's Services.

EMPLOYEES ATRISK

Any employee, but especially those with pre-existing physical or medicalconditions which may predispose them towards being adversely affectedby high temperatures. e.g. high blood pressure, heart conditions,overweight, recent illness, major surgery.

EXTREME HEATAn extended period of very high temperatures, which is related but notconfined to heatwave conditions.

HEAT STRESSA physical response by the body to the total heat burden to which it issubjected, by both external (air temperature, humidity, air movement,radiant heat) and internal (metabolic heat load from physical or chemical

activity) factors, which could result in fatigue, heat exhaustion, heat crampsand heat stroke.

HEAT STROKEMedical condition caused by elevated body temperature where the body'sinternal organs begin to shut down because of excessive heat. Heat strokeis a serious medical condition and requires immediate medical care.Although each individual may experience symptoms differently, the mostcommon symptoms of heat stroke are:

hot dry skin that is flushed but no longer perspiring;

headache, disorientation, agitation, confusion or hallucinations;

sluggishness or fatigue;

seizure; high body temperature;

loss of consciousness; and

rapid heart beat.

HEATWAVE

There is no universal definition of a heatwave. It can be defined as aprolonged period of excessive heat. The BoM SA Regional Office definesa heatwave for Adelaide as:

five days where dry bulb temperature is 35C or greater; or

three days where dry bulb temperature is 40C or greater.

This definition refers specifically to Adelaide City and the risks associated

with extreme heat will vary depending upon the locality in the State.

MEASUREMENT OFRISK OF HEAT

STRESS

Quantification of the heat load on the body by various means including drythermometer, weather reports, employee feedback, or in more complexsituations a Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer and assessment by a trainedperson. i.e. occupational hygienist.

MUST Indicates that a statement is a legislative requirement

SAFE SYSTEM OFWORK

The total set of methods adopted for carrying out the operations in a site. Asafe system of work covers all aspects of the employment situationincluding the organization of work processes; the methods of usingmachinery, plant and equipment; the methods of hiring labour; supervision;


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job training; instruction and hazards associated with the job and theirmanagement.

SHALL Indicates that a statement is mandatory

SITE MANAGER

Any person who has responsibility and control of a DECS site or work unit.

This includes, but is not limited to Executive Directors, Regional Directors,Directors and Principals.

THE BODYSCOOLING

MECHANISM

Loss of heat by the body by convection (heat loss to air), radiation (heatloss to surrounding objects) and evaporation of perspiration.

TREATMENT FORHEAT STRESS AND

HEAT STROKE

Treatment of Heat Stress

Medical assistance.

Removal of the person from the heat source.

Rest in coolest possible place and provide cool drinking water.

Treatment of Heat Stroke

Treat the affected person immediately as heat stroke can causepermanent damage or death. The immediate first aid measures that can betaken while waiting for help to arrive, include:

Get the person indoors.

Remove clothing and gently apply cool water to the skin followed byfanning to stimulate perspiration.

Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits.

Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightlyelevated.

Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or

electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature mayfluctuate abnormally for several weeks after heat stroke.

9. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

As a guide, records must be retained, in accordance with the following table:

Description of Record Disposal Schedule Reference

Records relating to hazard identification and risk assessment offoreseeable hazards in agency workplaces. Includes measures taken toeliminate or control risks.

Authority Number:2006/GDS15(V7) : 11.92.1

TEMPORARY

Retain until 2040, retention subject to areview at that date

Records relating to the management of complaints by staff or volunteersabout OH&S matters affecting them personally. Includes objections toundertaking hazardous duties and/or working in an unsafe or unhealthyenvironment.

Authority Number: 2006/GDS15 (V7) 11.55.3

TEMPORARY

Retain until 2040, retention subject to areview at that date


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10. REFERENCES

American Academy of Paediatrics Journal, Vol. 106 No. 1, July 2000.

Bureau of Meteorology, Special Climate Statement 17: The exceptional January February 2009heatwave in south-eastern Australia.

DECS Occupational First Aid Procedure.

DECS Hazard Management Procedure.

DECS Injury / Incident Investigation and Reporting Procedure.

General Disposal Schedule 15, 7th Edition, Effective 14 November 2006 to 30 June 2011.

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (OHS&W) Act 1986, Section 19 Duties of employers.

Safety and Wellbeing in the Public Sector 2010 - 2015 Strategy, Department of the Premier andCabinet, Public Sector Workforce Relations.

SafeWork SA Safeguard - Heat Stress.

South Australian State Emergency Service Extreme Heat Arrangements; Annex A to ExtremeWeather Hazard Plan; October 2009.

The University of Maryland, First Aid Potential Emergency Situations and Conditions:Dehydration and Heat Stroke.
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs17c.pdfhttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs17c.pdfhttp://www.pswr.sa.gov.au/public-sector-workforce-wellbeing/public-sector-safety-strategies/public-sector-safety-strategieshttp://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/gs29i.pdfhttp://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htmhttp://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htmhttp://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htmhttp://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehyrat.htmhttp://www.safework.sa.gov.au/uploaded_files/gs29i.pdfhttp://www.pswr.sa.gov.au/public-sector-workforce-wellbeing/public-sector-safety-strategies/public-sector-safety-strategieshttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs17c.pdfhttp://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/statements/scs17c.pdf


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APPENDIX 1 HEAT STRESS SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID TREATMENT

HEAT STRESSSTAGES

SYMPTOMS TREATMENT (First Aid)

HEAT

CRAMPS

Heavy perspiration, tired and thirsty.

Irritability, loss of appetite.

Prickly heat rash, nausea.

Muscle spasms / twitching, moist coolskin.

Painful muscle cramps (limbs andabdomen.

Drink more water.

Have a cold shower/bath.

Lie in a cool place with legs supportedand slightly elevated.

Massage limbs gently to ease spasms,or firmly if cramped, then apply ice packsand drink glucose solution. (e.g.cordial).

Do not have salt.

HEATEXHAUSTION

Profuse perspiration.

Cold, clammy, pale skin. Fatigue, weakness and restlessness.

Headache and vomiting.

Weak but rapid pulse.

Poor Coordination.

Normal temperature, but faintness.

Lay victim down in a cool place as forheat cramps. Loosen clothing and apply

wet cloths to head and body.

Fan the victim, or move them to an airconditioned environment.

Give sips of cold water.

If vomiting continues, seek medicalassistance immediately.

HEATSTROKE

Confusion, headache, nausea,dizziness.

Skin flushed, hot and unusually dry.

Dry swollen tongue.

High body temperature (>40oC).

Deep unconsciousness may developrapidly.

Seek medical assistance urgently.

In the meantime:

Lay victim in a cool place and removeouter clothing.

If unconscious, check airway andbreathing.

Cool victim quickly by applying coldwater or wrap in a wet sheet and fanthem (keep the sheet wet).

When conscious, give sips of water.


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APPENDIX 3 COMMUNICATIONS TRIGGERS FOR EXTREME HEAT

The table below depicts the guideline timeframes when South Australia State Emergency

Services will issue communications prior to confirmation of a heat event.

Days 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Hours 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168

Advice 3 5 DaysContinual monitoringof weather forecast

Watch 48 - 72 HoursContinual monitoring of

weather forecast

Warning 0-48 Hours Continual monitoring ofweather forecast

Days 6 & 7 of the weekly forecast provided by the BoM are subject to forecasting estimates andtherefore are not to be used as actual temperatures until confirmation of complete confidence offorecast is obtained by the BoM.

Documents

Heat Stress Procedure